Heather Cox Richardson’s comments this morning in her “Letters from an American” compel me to say a few words about women. It’s risky, I know, but some truths stand out. Richardson makes the point that “Mother’s Day” was originally popularized by Julia Ward Howe in the 1870s as a way to empower women. Howe, apparently, mortified at the carnage brought on by the Civil War and the Franco-Prussian War believed that women would make better leaders than men and might prevent such atrocities in the future.
For me, Mother’s Day, like most men, I believe, is a positive commemoration because we all loved our mothers. The truth is that our mothers paid more attention to us than our fathers and did so with unconditional love even as we grew into middle age. Father’s Day pales in comparison, not because our dad’s weren’t important, but because our mothers were so much more important.
Richardson’s point about Howe’s effort to empower women should be taken seriously. It is the logical step from loving our mothers who embodied common sense, hard work, good judgment and genuine empathy, all qualities that too often seem in short supply with our present leadership.
It is not my intent to kowtow to women or denigrate men, but simply say what we all know: our mothers kept things running, educated us and frequently provided moral guidance. They always did the right thing. Perhaps, we need more people like our mothers in charge.
Happy Mother’s Day!
Heather Cox Richardson, “Letters from an American,” May 11, 2024
Well said. With all the many years of men in charge of government and businesses, it has not been an over welmimg success. I believe woman could do a better job. Not likely they will do worse!
Giving women more opportunities would certainly broaden the talent pool, wouldn’t it?